Winter Activities

Winter is one of the most magical times of the year at Bryce Canyon National Park. The air is crisp and pure and you can see for hundreds of miles. Like fall and spring, winter is a smart time to visit Bryce Canyon. Take advantage of low rates and practically no crowds. The park is open all year and is accessible by automobile although sections of the road may be temporarily closed after a heavy snowfall. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the Bryce Canyon National Park and the surrounding area.

The Bryce Canyon Winter Festival has something for everyone. There will be Free clinics, demos and tours. Events may be subject to change due to snow and weather conditions, but the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival will be held regardless of snow conditions.

Cross Country Skiing

Start your cross country ski adventure right from your guest room door! Over 30 km of groomed trails wind through forests of Ponderosa pine, meadows and majestic overlooks, offering guests one of the best ways to enjoy the peaceful scenery and fresh clean air of Bryce. The canyon is especially beautiful in the winter and cross country skiing is permitted inside the park.
Rental equipment, maps and information are available at Ruby’s Inn Winter Activity Center (Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill building).

Sleigh Rides

A sleigh ride to the rim of Bryce Canyon is the perfect way to enjoy the winter season!

Bundle up and relax as the horses whisk the covered sleigh across the fields of snow. Great for all ages. No strenuous activity required. Our regularly scheduled rides last approximately 30 minutes and run daily (dependent on current snow conditions). For more information and reservations, contact Ruby’s Horseback Adventures at Ruby’s Inn. 1-866-782-0002 or 435-834-5341 ext. 7198.Visit Ruby’s Horseback Adventure Website
*This activity requires a Liability Waiver to be signed by all participants. Download Liability Waiver

Horseback Rides

Throughout the year, including winter, we provide 4 guided horseback tours in the Grand Staircase region. Each allows riders to explore and closely investigate the gorgeous landscape of the area, which has several rivers, drainage area, stretches of narrows, and canyons. There are also numerous opportunities in this region to see remnants — like petroglyph and ceremonial sites — of the ancient Indians that lived here. The Sheep Creek Ride is suitable for all levels of experience. Intermediate and more experienced riders can enjoy the Rock Spring’s Draw – Paria and Rock Spring’s Draw – Snake Creek rides. Advanced riders can take the tour on the Rock Spring’s Draw – Sam Pollock Arch Ride. All children must be at least 10 to join the rides. Visit our Grand Staircase Rides page for more information. Winter rides are by reservation only, 48 hours in advance.Visit Ruby’s Horseback Adventure Website
*This activity requires a Liability Waiver to be signed by all participants. Download Liability Waiver

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing offers a unique way to connect with the beauty of Bryce Canyon and the surrounding national forest. The solace of exploring the park in winter is a great activity for couples and families alike. Come escape the pressures of the hectic holiday season and experience the magic of the incredible winter scenery.

Snowmobiling

Bring your sled and experience the exciting snowmobile trails of Southern Utah. Maps and information are available at Best Western Ruby’s Inn.

East Fork Trails – Miles of trails and several play areas near Tropic Reservoir and the East Fork of the Sevier River. 40 miles of trails run through the picturesque Dixie National Forest to scenic plateaus and overviews of Bryce Canyon. Marked and non-groomed trails are also found north of Ruby’s Inn, including trails in the Aquarius Plateau complex which climb along non-groomed Forest Service roads that offer spectacular vistas. Other nearby areas include Pine Lake and the Cedar Breaks areas. Click Here to learn more about trails within Garfield County that may be used for snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is not permitted inside Bryce Canyon National Park. Ruby’s Inn does not rent snowmobiles